Andy Couzens has thrown backing behind Patrick Bamford, stating that the Leeds United forward could bag himself 20+ goals in the 2019/20 campaign.

Leeds never saw the best of Bamford during his debut season at Elland Road, despite splashing out a reported £10m for his service last summer.

Two injuries pre-Christmas limited his involvement, and then inconsistent spells, combined with the team’s loss of consistency in 2019, saw the 25-year-old struggle.

Nevertheless, he scored nine Championship goals and added another effort in the League Cup, but many weren’t convinced by what they saw from the former Middlesbrough man.

However, he’s off the mark for the new season, having scored in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Bristol City.

And, that’s something that Couzens believes is vital ahead of a big season, backing Bamford to hit the 20-goal mark for Marcelo Bielsa.

“I’m glad that Bamford has got the goal (at Bristol City),” Couzens told FLW in an exclusive interview with Chief Editor, Sam Rourke.

“I can see him getting a few (this season), maybe even 20+ goals, which is doable with the service he’s going to get.” 

It was Pablo Hernandez who laid on Bamford’s goal at Ashton Gate on Sunday, with the striker now benefitting from some classy attacking midfield options including Hernandez, Jack Harrison and Helder Costa.

Despite Couzens’ claims, Bamford has only hit the 20-goal mark once his senior career. That came in 2013/14, when the on loan Chelsea forward struck a combined 25 goals for MK Dons and Derby County – although 14 of those came in League One with MK.

The following year he hit 19 for Middlesbrough, as well as winning the Championship’s Player of the Year award.